Clean Equipment Protocol for Industry

1 Clean Equipment Protocol for IndustryInspecting and cleaning Equipment for the purposes of invasive species preventionPublication InformationHalloran, Joe, Anderson, Hayley and Tassie, Danielle. 2013. Clean Equipment Protocol for Industry . Peterborough Stewardship Council and Ontario Invasive Plant Council. Peterborough, ON. Printed April 2013 Updated May 2016. Peterborough, OntarioISBN: (to be confirmed)This document was prepared for the Canada-Ontario Invasive Species Centre and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources by the Peterborough Stewardship Council and the Ontario Invasive Plant regarding this document can be directed to the Ontario Invasive Plant Council PO Box 2800, 4601 Guthrie Drive Peterborough, ON K9J 8L5 Phone: (705) 748-6324 Email: more information on invasive plants in Ontario, visit , , , or Of ContentsIntroduction.

2 1 Why Cleaning Vehicles and Equipment is Important ..3 Impacts of Invasive Species on Industry ..4 Construction ..4 Forestry/Agriculture ..4 Land Management (Trail Use/Maintenance) ..4 Roadsides/Utilities ..4 Steps to Prevent the Unintentional Introduction of Invasive Species from Equipment ..5 When to Inspect ..5 How to Inspect ..5 When to Clean ..6 Where to Clean ..6 How to Clean Inside ..6 How to Clean Outside ..6 Final Inspection Checklist ..7 Equipment Required ..7 Inspection and Cleaning Diagrams and Checklists ..82WD and 4WD Vehicles.

3 8 Excavator ..9 Backhoe ..10 Bulldozer ..11 Contacts and Resources ..12 Appendix A: Identification of Invasive Plants Found in Ontario ..131 Clean Equipment Protocol for IndustryOntario Invasive Plant CouncilIntroductionWhy Invasive Plants are a ProblemInvasive alien species are a growing environmental and economic threat to Ontario. alien species are plants, animals and microorganisms that have been accidentally or deliberately introduced into areas beyond their normal range. Invasive species are defined as harmful alien species whose introduction or spread threatens the environment, the economy, or society, including human health (Government of Canada 2004).

4 (Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan, 2012). The great majority of plant invasions occur in habitats that have been disturbed either naturally or by humans (Rejma nek 1989; Hobbs and Huenneke 1992; Hobbs 2000).The ecological effects of invasive species are often irreversible and, once established, they are extremely difficult and costly to control or eradicate. According to Pimental et al. (1999), invasive species in the cause economic and environmental damages totalling over $138 billion per year, with agricultural weed control and crop losses totalling approximately $34 billion per year.

5 Exact figures for the total economic and environmental damages are not available for Canada. In Ontario however, the costs of dealing with just one invasive species is astonishing; Zebra Mussels cost Ontario power producers who draw water from the lake $ million per year in increased control/operating costs and about $1 million per year in research costs (Colautti et al. 2006).Invasive species can spread to new areas when contaminated mud, gravel, water, soil and plant material are unknowingly moved by Equipment used on different sites.

6 This method of spread is called an unintentional introduction, and is one of the four major pathways for invasive species introduction into a new area of Ontario (Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan, 2012).Invasive plant seed and other propagules (plant material, rhizomes) have the ability to travel sight unseen in mud attached to or lodged in various parts and spaces between parts of vehicles, machinery and other mechanical Equipment . A recent study at Montana State University found that most seeds (99% on paved roads and 96% on unpaved roads) stayed attached to the vehicle after traveling 160 miles (257 km) under dry conditions.

7 Invasive plant species are commonly transported on or in vehicles and construction Equipment when they are moved to new locations. Those vehicles include four-wheel drives, excavators, tractors, loaders, water trucks and all-terrain vehicles. Failure to properly Clean vehicles and machinery of soils, mud, and contaminated water that may contain invasive species seed and propagules can result in permanent, irreversible environmental impacts. These impacts can mean substantial cost to the landowner, land manager and/or the user.

8 Businesses may also face liability issues for activities and operations that result in the introduction of invasive removal, Lynde Shores Conservation by: Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority 2 Clean Equipment Protocol for IndustryOntario Invasive Plant CouncilSome of the invasive species in Ontario which have been known to spread through Equipment transfer include: Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) Dog-strangling Vine (Cynanchum rossicum) Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata) Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) Glossy Buckthorn (Frangula alnus) Japanese Knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum) Miscanthus or Chinese Silver Grass (Miscanthus sinensis) Invasive Phragmites or Common Reed (Phragmites australis subsp.)

9 Australis) Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea) Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa) Wild Chervil (Anthriscus sylvestri)These plants impact biodiversity by out-competing native species for space, sunlight, and nutrients. They can also have impacts on road and driver safety by physically blocking intersection sightlines, and in the case of invasive Phragmites and Miscanthus, may fuel intense grass fires if ignited, which can damage utility stations and hydro lines. The harmful effects of invasive species include: Physical and structural damage to infrastructure Human health hazards ( giant hogweed and wild parsnip exposure) Delays and increased cost in construction activities Environmental damage ( erosion) Aesthetic degradation Loss of biodiversity Reduced property values Loss of productivity in woodlots and agricultureGarlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)Photo by: Ken TowleInvasive Phragmites (Phragmites australis subsp.

10 Australis)Photo by: Michael Irvine Dog-strangling Vine (Cynachum rossicum)Photo by: Hayley Anderson3 Clean Equipment Protocol for IndustryOntario Invasive Plant CouncilWhy Cleaning Vehicles and Equipment is ImportantPassenger and recreational vehicles as well as heavy machinery are major vectors for spreading terrestrial invasive species into new the spread of invasive species has proven to be considerably more cost effective than controlling established populations. The spread of invasive species through unintentional introduction can be minimized significantly by the diligent cleaning of vehicles and Equipment when leaving one site and moving to the next.